Mayor Pro-Tem: Austin MLS Resolution Likely to Pass

A prominent official expects the Austin City Council to approve a resolution on Austin MLS, and effectively advance the city’s pursuit of Columbus Crew SC.

Crew SC owner Anthony Precourt continues to look into the possibility of moving the club to Austin, where a new privately-financed stadium would be constructed. No final decision on the relocation has been made, and Precourt has emphasized that finding a suitable site for a new stadium is a must if the team is to move.

Austin could begin an early step in the process on Thursday by approving a resolution that directs city staff to analyze public land. Mayor Pro-Tem Kathie Tovo‘s office wrote the resolution, and leading up to the vote she expects it to pass. More from The Austin American-Statesman:

“I am optimistic about the vote,” Tovo said Wednesday. “I’ve heard some concerns from my colleagues about location, but the resolution was written to be broad in geographic area. If it passes — and I expect it will — this is really just the beginning of the process. But it’s an important first step.”

The resolution, which Tovo’s office drafted, directs city staff to begin an analysis of city-owned land, including underutilized parkland, for possible location of an “urban core” stadium and a large training facility that could be located anywhere in the city.

City Council held a work session Tuesday on the topic, and a representative of Precourt Sports Ventures, investor/operator of the Crew SC, liked what he heard.

“I was encouraged, and I look forward to engaging council members in conversation,” said Austin attorney Richard Suttle, a registered MLS lobbyist working on behalf of PSV.

Along with the stadium, an Austin MLS project would include the construction of a separate training academy. Both the academy and the stadium would be privately financed. Crew SC will spend 2018 in Columbus, and local officials there are planning to meet with MLS and Precourt to discuss the ongoing relocation talks.